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Rhondda Tunnel Pens

pittswood

Fellow
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Posts
1,261
Location
Rhigos, South Wales
First Name
Kelvin
Hi guys,
The Rhondda Tunnel is an abandoned railway tunnel that runs between the Rhondda and the Afan Valleys in South Wales. It is 3,443 yards (3,148 m) long, making it the third longest railway tunnel in Wales, and the seventeenth longest in the United Kingdom.
The tunnellers faced dire conditions, resulting in injuries and deaths, several due to rock falls and explosions.
Seven men were reported to have lost there lives in building this tunnel, six are named as:-
William Shod, a haulier, run over by a wagon and fatally injured,
John Harris, 24, killed by an explosion,
Isaac Watson, 36, also succumbed to dynamite,
George Lever, a 28-year-old miner, died of a rock fall 22nd. January 1889,
George Smitherham, labourer known to everyone as Soldier
Joseph Darby, injured by a small stone, 5 days later, died of septicaemia (blood poisoning).
Unfortunately, one other man died and never named.
If the project is successful, it will become the longest cycle tunnel in Europe and the second longest in the world after the 4,000 metres (13,000ft) Snoqualmie Tunnel in Washington state.
The teak wood used in making the pens, where from the rail track keys. Shaped pieces of wood that sat between the outside rail to the rail shoe.

photo of wooden railway key.jpg

Pens made from the rail track keys.

The Joseph Darby Fountain Pen Forum.jpg
The John Harries Rollerball Pen FORUM.jpg
The George Lever Fountain Pen Forum.jpg
The George Smitherham Rollerball Pen.jpg
The William Shod Ballpoint Pen Forum.jpg
The Isaac Watson Ballpoint Pen forum.jpg

Once all of the wooden railway track keys are used, no more pens will be made. The wood is over sixty years old and are Burmese teak. The pens were sealed and waxed and come with a certificate of authenticity, from the Society.
Home - Rhondda Tunnel Society Official Website
Kelvin
 

flexi

Executive Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Posts
6,189
Location
Maidstone
First Name
mark
Fantastic pens, made with some real history a fantastic tribute..... Well done:thumbs::thumbs:
 

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Posts
11,023
Location
County Durham
First Name
Bill
Fantastic tribute to a sad piece of history Kelvin. The pens are beautifully made. The Teak would be a dream to turn.:thumbs:
 

Phil Dart

Moderator
Executive Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2014
Posts
5,458
Location
Colebrooke, Devon
First Name
Phil
A great story Kelvin, and a fantastic collection of work there too. And first rate photography by your best beloved as always.
 
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